Scientific journal
European Journal of Natural History
ISSN 2073-4972
ИФ РИНЦ = 0,301

HEALTH EFFECTS OF MICROWAVE RADIATION

Loginov P.V. 1 Ishqairat Ya. 1
1 Astrakhan State Medical University

Electromagnetic waves come in a very wide range of wavelengths: there are radio, microwave, infrared (heat), visible light, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray waves. All are used in medicine in one way or another. Microwave radiation is used in certain kinds of heat treatment, where the heat is generated in the target tissue (as in a microwave oven). Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from one meter to one millimeter; with frequencies between 300 MHz (100 cm) and 300 GHz (0,1 cm). They are classified as non-ionizing radiation – radiation which can change the position of atoms but it is not strong enough to alter their structure, composition, or properties.

At the present time, there is substantial scientific fact that establishes negative health effects associated with the direct exposure to microwave radiation. Microwave radiation penetrates the body, the exposed molecules move about and collide with one another causing friction and, thus, heat. This is known as the thermal effect. If the radiation is powerful enough, the tissue or skin will be heated or burned. The scientific literature indicates a relationship between exposure to microwave radiation and birth defects, such as mongolism (Down’s Syndrome) and central nervous system damage. It has been demonstrated that microwave radiation may cause eye and testicular damage due to their high vulnerability to radiation damage because they contain few blood vessels. As for the effects on the eye, several scientific investigations have shown that cataracts among humans and laboratory animals have occurred as a result of the intense heating of high frequency microwave radiation.

As noted, microwave radiation may also cause damage to the male testes/reproductive organs. Specifically, scientists have demonstrated that exposure to microwave radiation may result in partial or permanent sterility. In addition, some scientific evidence suggests similar effects associated with microwave exposure and female reproductive problems.


The work is submitted to the International Scientific Conference “Innovative medical technologies”, Russia (Moscow), 30 may – 1 June, 2016, came to the editorial office оn 13.05.2016.